These Regulations (which extend to Scotland only) amend the Meat (Hygiene and Inspection) (Charges) Regulations 1998 (“the principal Regulations”). The principal Regulations implemented in Great Britain the provisions relating to charges for meat inspections of Council Directive 85/73/EEC, an amended and consolidated text of which is annexed to Council Directive 96/43/EC (O.J. No. L 162, 1.7.96, p.1).

These Regulations introduce new charges for meat inspections which are subject to the principal Regulations. These Regulations provide that, subject to certain provisions, the charge for inspections will be the lower of the standard charge (plus any additional charge for increased costs) and the time costs (regulation 2(5)). The Regulations also make provision for circumstances in which the Food Standards Agency can charge for increased costs on a time basis (regulation 2(8)). The Regulations also make provision for charges at re-packaging centres and cold stores (regulation 2(5) and (9)). The revised basis for calculating inspection charges is in accordance with Council Directive 85/73/EEC.

The Regulations also set the standard charge for ostriches, other ratites and any other land mammals or birds (regulation 2(6)).

A Regulatory Impact Assessment, which includes a compliance cost assessment of the effect which these Regulations have on business costs, has been prepared and has been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre. Copies may be obtained from the Food Standards Agency, 6th Floor, St Magnus House, 25 Guild Street, Aberdeen AB11 6NJ.